North Update 7/18/2015 0930

The North Fire started at approximately 1433 Friday July 17 in the center divider of Interstate 15 north of Highway 138. The fire is approximately 3,500 acres and 5 percent contained. Multiple vehicles were trapped on Interstate 15 when the fire jumped the southbound lanes. 20 vehicles were destroyed and 10 vehicles were damaged, however no injuries were reported. In the community of Baldy Mesa 3 homes, 8 outbuildings, and an additional 44 vehicles were destroyed.

Mandatory evacuations are in place for following areas in Baldy Mesa: east of Sheep Creek Road, north of Highway 138, west of Interstate 15/Highway 395, and south of Phelan Road.
An evacuation center has been established for residents at Serrano High School located at 9292 Sheep Creek Road Phelan, Ca 92371. Large and small animals can be taken to the Victor Valley Fairgrounds, 14800 7th Street in Victorville, CA 92395.

Southbound Interstate 15 has three lanes reopened; all northbound lanes of Interstate 15 have been reopened.

An Unmanned Aircraft System (drone) halted tanker operations for about 25 minutes, but operations soon resumed.

Fire Managers urge individuals and organizations that fly drones to avoid the wildfire areas to ensure the safety of firefighters and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. Unauthorized drone flights over or near the wildfires could cause serious injury or death to aerial firefighters and firefighters on the ground. Unauthorized drones could be involved in midair collisions with air-tankers, helicopters, and other aircraft engaged in fire suppression operations. This could decrease the effectiveness of fire suppression operations, allowing the fire to grow larger and potentially threaten lives, property, and valuable natural and cultural resources.
Firefighting aircraft typically fly at about the same, or lower, altitude than hobbyists or recreationists fly drones, often in smoky, windy, and turbulent conditions. Safety depends on knowing what other aircraft are operating in the airspace and knowing their altitude and direction of travel.

Fire is in unified command with San Bernardino County Fire, CALFIRE, and San Bernardino County Sheriff. A Federal Type 2 Incident Management Team headed by Mike Wakowski has been ordered.

BASIC INFORMATION

Current as of	7/18/2015, 0614
Incident Type	Wildfire
Cause	Under Investigation
Date of Origin	Friday July 17th, 2015 approx. 02:33 PM
Location	Cajon Pass, Baldy Mesa
Incident Commander	Howes
Incident Description	Unified Command With CAL FIRE, San Bernardino County Fire, And San Bernardino County Sheriff.
CURRENT SITUATION
Total personnel	1,000
Size	3,500 acres
Percent contained	5%
Fuels	Chaparral and grass
Significant events	Mandatory evacuation: east of Sheep Creek Rd, north of Highway 138, west of I-15 and Hwy 138, and south of Phelan Rd.
OUTLOOK
Planned actions	Continue direct attack utilizing hoselays and hand line construction. Structure protection. Hold and improve established containment lines.
Planned incident activity	A Type 2 IMT has been ordered to take over the fire.
Remarks	Evacuation center located at Serrano High School 9292 Sheep Creek Road Phelan, Ca 92371
WEATHER FORECAST
Weather concerns	Monsoonal flow brought increased moisture into the area. By mid-afternoon, the threat of lightning and gusty outflows could impact the area.